There is much more to education than in-class lectures. Real-world experience can enhance students' college or university experience and contribute to their employment and career goals.
Through its award-winning co-op program, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) offers students the opportunity to work on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project and to learn valuable skills to help them prepare for the future. Since the program began in 206, a total of 155 students have been part of the program.
There are 22 students involved in the program this summer. The students attend the University of Windsor, Western University and the University of Waterloo and come from different faculties and programs including Business Administration, Engineering and Information Technology.
“I am thoroughly impressed by the students, who are valued members of the WDBA team and add depth and creativity to our work,” says Bryce Phillips, WDBA’s CEO. “I am also proud of our employees who mentor the students and provide them with a solid learning experience.”
While many businesses and organizations have had to restrict or even stop hiring students due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WDBA has remained committed to its co-op program.
“We have successfully transitioned all co-op students to work from home,” says Deanna Santos, WDBA’s Human Resources Coordinator. “We did not eliminate any student positions and continue to provide co-op opportunities in each of our departments.”
Last year, WDBA was recognized by the University of Windsor as the 2020 Co-op/Internship Employer of the Year. It is the third consecutive year that WDBA has received the honour, which recognizes organizations who have a long-standing partnership with the co-op office, have hired more than ten students, are actively engaged with on-campus activities to the benefit of student learning and have created exceptional work term experiences throughout the year.
Each semester, WDBA’s Communication co-op student is tasked with coming up with a novel way of introducing all of the term’s co-op students. Learn more about our most recent students in this video produced by Adam Collins.
